Good News is Worth Sharing

October 14, 2024

AUSTIN, T.X. – Balfour Beatty, as part of the Colorado River Constructors (CRC) joint venture, joined the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), local officials and community stakeholders in celebrating the completion of the Oak Hill Parkway project in southwest Austin, Texas. The milestone marks the delivery of a major transportation improvement project that enhances mobility, safety and connectivity along one of the region's busiest transportation corridors.

The Oak Hill Parkway project reconstructed and widened approximately seven miles of U.S. 290 and SH 71 through Oak Hill, increasing capacity from two to three mainlanes in each direction and creating a more efficient transportation network for the region. The project serves as a key gateway connecting Austin to the rapidly growing communities west of the city while addressing long-standing congestion challenges and supporting future economic growth.

"Oak Hill Parkway showcases what's possible when talented teams unite around a shared vision for strengthening communities through infrastructure," said Mark Konchar, president of Infrastructure operations for Balfour Beatty US. "Working alongside TxDOT, our industry partners and local stakeholders, we delivered a project that improves mobility, enhances safety and creates long-term value for the Austin region and the people who rely on this corridor every day."

Since construction began in 2021, the project team completed a wide range of improvements designed to improve traffic flow and enhance safety, including direct-connect flyovers between U.S. 290 and SH 71, new U.S. 290 overpasses at William Cannon Drive and the replacement of the former Y-interchange with a single-point urban interchange configuration. Additional enhancements include new frontage roads, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations and shared-use paths that increase accessibility throughout the corridor.

The project required the coordination of complex construction activities in an active urban corridor while maintaining mobility for the traveling public. Throughout delivery, project teams implemented innovative construction methods, advanced utility coordination efforts and rigorous safety protocols to successfully execute major traffic shifts, bridge construction activities and roadway improvements while minimizing impacts to motorists, businesses and the surrounding community.

Environmental stewardship was also a key component of the project's delivery. Working closely with TxDOT and community stakeholders, the project team implemented extensive tree preservation measures throughout the corridor, protecting mature trees wherever feasible through proactive planning and design refinements. These efforts helped preserve the character of the Oak Hill community while balancing long-term transportation needs with environmental and community priorities.

The project was delivered by Colorado River Constructors, a joint venture between Balfour Beatty and Fluor, on behalf of TxDOT as part of the agency's Texas Clear Lanes initiative. With the roadway system now open to traffic, motorists throughout the Austin region are already benefiting from improved travel reliability, increased capacity and enhanced connectivity. Final project activities, including landscaping, paving and striping, will continue through final completion.